UAE and Morocco join hands to prepare for climate conference

Tuesday, 23 August 2016 11:37

The meeting comes after an MoU between the UAE and Morocco was signed in April. (Image source: APCO)A UAE delegation, headed by Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, UAE minister of climate change and environment, recently met with the Moroccan Steering Committee for the 22nd session of the Conference of Parties (COP22) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)

The event will be held in Marrakech, Morocco, in November 2016.

The meeting was attended by Salaheddine Mezouar, Morocco’s minister of foreign affairs, and COP22 president and Dr Hakima El Haite, Morocco’s minister of environment. During the meeting, the ministers discussed ways to enhance the UAE–Morocco cooperation on climate change, in support of COP22 where ministers from all over the world are expected to begin the important process of detailing the Paris Agreement and prepare for its entry into force.

Mezouar highlighted the relations between Morocco and the UAE, and stressed that the views of the two countries converge on many issues.

"The UAE will work hand in hand with Morocco to ensure COP22 in Marrakech builds on the great momentum and ambition that came from Paris,” Al Zeyoudi said, “The UAE is a big believer in engaging civil society and the businesses to find durable and meaningful solutions to climate change – we greatly look forward to sharing our successful domestic experiences in Marrakech.”

The meeting comes after an MoU between the UAE and Morocco was signed by Al Zeyoudi and El Haite in April 2016, on the sidelines of the UN secretary-general’s high level signing ceremony for the Paris Agreement.

Dr Al Haite was also optimistic about the bilateral relationship and said, “We are delighted to build upon the already strong relationship between Morocco and the UAE. The UAE is widely recognised as a global leader and trusted partner on climate action – their experiences at home and abroad makes them a valuable partner in support of a successful COP22.”